HUB Early Childhood Manager

HUB Early Childhood Manager

Reports to: Director of Playspace and Volunteer Services

Organization (Horizons) Description:

Horizons for Homeless Children is a local non-profit dedicated to improving the lives of young homeless children in Massachusetts and helping their families succeed by providing high-quality early education, opportunities for play, and comprehensive family support services. Horizons operates the highest quality early childhood program in the state and also has over 30 years of experience supporting children and families residing in the state-run family shelter system. To support our mission, we advocate on behalf of young children, train educators, and human services providers, and provide research on the impact of early education on homeless children.

The Mobile Learning Experience for Young Children

Amal Alliance, Horizons for Homeless, and Neighborhood Villages together are piloting a Mobile Learning initiative to provide a coordinated systematic approach for supporting under-school-age children who have recently arrived in the US by providing a combination of coordinated services, social and emotional programming, and a safe, developmentally appropriate space to children and families. The goal of the Mobile Learning Initiative is to meet families where they are, learn about their needs and connect them with the resources that can get their children acclimated to life in the US. By focusing on a specific catchment zone, the Mobile Learning program will consist of a staffed Horizons playspace and two mobile learning buses that will provide access to developmentally appropriate and trauma-informed social and emotional learning and play experiences to support their health and wellbeing by traveling to different shelter-based programs within a small geographic area.

Summary of Position: HUB Early Childhood Specialist Hotel Locations

The Hub Early Childhood Manager will be responsible for overseeing programs and services aimed at supporting the early childhood developmental needs of children across multiple locations being served by the mobile learning team.

This role will serve as the coordinator of programs and services delivered by community partners including school districts, early intervention providers, local CFCEs, and mental health programs.

The Hub Early Childhood Manager must be adaptable, creative, and have strong interpersonal skills to engage both children, parents and volunteers effectively.

This individual will coordinate the work of two Early Childhood Specialists working in collaboration with the mobile learning team.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement and manage early childhood programs tailored to the unique needs of migrant families, including language support, cultural sensitivity, and access to resources.
• Capture data on all children in the Mobile learning service area and categorize by need
• Coordinate with local service area providers for children under school age to access (early intervention, mental health services, maternal and child relational health, playgroups etc.) across the entire Mobile Learning Service area.
• Work to ensure all children are being provided enrichment activities across the service area each week
• Coordinate day-to-day operations of the Marlborough Playspace to ensure all children resident in the hub gain access to play each week.
• Supervise two Early Childhood Specialists and work closely with the mobile learning team.
• Maintain accurate records of program activities, participant demographics, and outcomes.
• Prepare regular reports and evaluations to assess program effectiveness and inform decision-making.
• Other duties as assigned

Education & experience

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's or master's degree in early childhood education, child development, social work, or related field required.
• Previous experience working with families experiencing homelessness and diverse communities preferred
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate staff.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build trust with new migrant families and their children.
• Comprehensive knowledge of early childhood development principles and best practices.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders and build strong partnerships.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, and cultural responsiveness in all aspects of work.
• Previous experience working as a child life specialist and/or in Early Intervention or other clinical settings supporting young children and their parents (strongly preferred)

• Fluency in Haitian Creole & or Spanish recommended

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Enthusiasm and creativity
• Excellent communication and high-level organizational skills
• Able to lift 50 lbs.
• Ability to work flexible hours which may include evenings
• Clean driving record, valid driver's license, and access to reliable transportation to travel throughout the state required
• CPR and First Aid certification (may be required)

• Travel within the catchment area may be necessary to conduct outreach and attend meetings.

Horizons for Homeless Children is committed to diversity and is an AA/EEO employer. Horizons has an excellent health benefits and 403B program